Link Love: Focus on Fabrics

A new trend in fashion are brands that are building their entire identities around the materials they use. Racked has put together a list of labels that are putting their fabrics front and centre.

An interesting look at the design choices and philosophy of Marimekko, the famous Finnish brand.

From animal print to denim: why hotels are upping their bathrobe game.

Meet Mia Vespers, the 25-year-old designer turning vintage tapestries into modern outerwear.

According to The Guardian, tulle is getting a fashion makeover for 2017.

Fab Links from Our Members

This article caught Kerry’s attention after reading forum member Jenn’s #30Wears thread.

As most of us dress casually at least some of the time (and some do so practically all the time), but still want to look good, The Cat thought Brenda Kinsel’s post may be of interest.

Minimalist is loving Erica Bunker’s blog and outfits.

Jenni NZ is currently looking into the Kibbe types, and discovered interesting historical info going all the way back to the 1930s here.

After the “Clear Knee Mom Jeans”, Topshop is now selling “Moto Clear Plastic Straight Leg Jeans”. Suz is baffled, and wonders if these are the new sweatpant?

A Non-Neutral Shoe-Bag-Scarf Complement

A pair of non-neutral shoes with matching bag made my must haves list for Spring and Summer 2017 because we haven’t seen non-neutral shoes make a fashion statement in a while. They look so fresh at the moment. I was in the mood for red shoes a few months ago and promptly added a pair of bright red loafers to my Spring and Summer footwear capsule. Coincidentally, they match a chain-strap crossbody bag I bought in Amsterdam a few years ago. The new loafers and bag also match a new floral scarf that I bought at J.Crew. Here are the items in a collection.

It can feel a little jarring to wear a pair of non-neutral shoes in an outfit, especially when they make a bold statement. That’s why pairing them with a bag or/and a scarf that picks up the colour of the shoes is an effective styling strategy. The repetition of the colour pulls the outfit together to create a cohesive whole. Pairing my red loafers with either the matching bag or scarf creates sufficient outfit harmony for me, although sometimes I combine all three items just for fun. 

Remember to create a “shoe-bag-scarf” complement when you’re having trouble incorporating bright footwear into an outfit. Or choose either a bag or a scarf to pair with the shoes. Of course, you can absolutely throw a pair of non-neutral shoes into an outfit without repeating the colour elsewhere in your look if you don’t find it jarring. But if your bright shoes are orphaned, creating a complement for them will probably do the trick.

Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Elegant Eclectic in Washington

Full-time fashion and lifestyle blogger Sylvia (48) lives in Washington D.C. and documents her outfits over at Simply Sylvia. She spent most of her adult life in Paris, and admires the way Parisian women “either abide by or ignore fashion rules.” Sylvia chooses her clothes based on what she thinks will look good on her, and her style is quite eclectic. From dressy to sporty casual, preppy to edgy and Modern Classic, she wears it all with equal aplomb.

“My style has adapted to fit my current lifestyle. I used to work full-time in a law firm, so my day-to-day outfits were pencil skirts and fitted dresses, or pants and blouses, and heels. Now that I am a stay-at-home mom, I dress more casually (but hopefully no less stylishly). I would describe my style as effortless, edgy chic.”

Sylvia - 1

For a trip to London, Sylvia wanted lightweight clothes that allow for easy layering and comfortable shoes for all the city walking. This polished casual outfit fits the bill perfectly. Sylvia casualizes a dressy gold metallic midi skirt with a graphic tee and denim jacket. Tucking the T-shirt lengthens the leg line, especially when you wear flats, and showcases the fab pleated skirt. The white sneakers complement the T-shirt and fun oversized sunnies. So does the eye-catching colour blocked bag, which adds extra polish and outfit interest.

Sylvia - 2

Red and black accents give this on trend jeans and sweater look lots of extra punch. Our blogger is sporting cropped frayed hem jeans with a cream texture-rich cable-knit sweater. The side vents and red and black detailing create playful visual interest and give the look a subtle sporty vibe. Layering the sweater over a tee provides coverage and adds warmth. The stars of the show are Sylvia’s bright red boots and black and white chevron patterned bag. Vibrant graphic fabness!

Sylvia-  3

Sylvia pairs two statement pieces found at Zara to create a bold, feminine look. She’s tucked a gingham blouse into a form-fitting navy midi skirt that hugs her curves. The interesting silhouette of the crisp blue and white gingham blouse with its on trend bell sleeves, high neckline, and bright red embroidery is a statement in itself. Combining the blouse with the elegant frilled skirt and black suede lace-up pumps amps up the style factor even more, and gives the outfit a flamenco dancer vibe. Sylvia’s shoulder bag with the cream, red and blue ribbon further plays up that festive feeling.

Sylvia - 4

This is a wonderful example of Angie’s Easy & Pretty Spring Tweed ensemble. Our 5’4’’ blogger is wearing high-waisted cropped jeans with raw-edge panels. The distressed detailing juxtaposes perfectly with the ladylike Chanel-esque topper. Sylvia has left the pretty confetti coloured tweed jacket open to pattern mix with a nautical blue and white striped marinière tee. Tucking the fluid fit tee showcases a black belt that echoes the tips of the two-toned low-heeled slingback pumps. Her tousled waves and oversized sunnies add just the right amount of nonchalance. Sylvia’s beloved shoulder bag makes its third appearance, and works splendidly with the colours of the jacket. Here’s to remixing favourite pieces!

Sylvia - 5

For this stunning and dramatic tonal look in dove grey Sylvia once again brings together two statement pieces. The wool sleeveless dress with its asymmetrical pleated design, tailored waist and full skirt is a little work of art. The architectural lines of this unique dress contrast beautifully with the gauzy fabric of the billowy blouse. The transparent material and oversized bow provide soft, romantic contrast. Refined pointy-toe patent pumps and a black patent bag with gunmetal chain strap are the ladylike finishing touches.

Sylvia - 6

More gingham fun, this time in a smart casual Modern Classic outfit that remixes several fab pieces featured in the previous looks. Sylvia dresses up her distressed, irregular hem jeans with a girly gingham blouse and refined accessories. Tucking the blouse into the jeans tempers the volume of the pouffy bell sleeves. The elbow-length sleeves show the forearms which also creates structure. Popping the collar adds a preppy touch. Our blogger’s black and white chevron Gucci bag and two-toned slingbacks don’t match but go together brilliantly. Large sunnies and soft pink lipstick finish off the look.

What do you think of Sylvia’s elegant and varied style? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out the rest of her outfits on her blog, Simply Sylvia.

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Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Fab Tie-Front Tops

Tie-front tops are shirts, blouses and knitted tops with self-fabric belts or contrast belts that tie at the natural waist. Some retailers refer to them as tie tops, belted tops or wrap tops. Before the addition of a belt, fits are tailored, fluid or oversized. Regardless of the fit, once the belt is tied around the smallest part of the waist, a fabulous amount of structure is created. 

Tie-front tops are made of woven or knitted fabrics across all sorts of weights. Some tie-front tops are as sheer and delicate as a silk scarf, whereas others feel as substantial as a lightweight jacket. Lengths vary from hip length to tunics. Some are a little shorter than hip length, making them ideal to wear with skirts. The collection below showcases both dressy and casual tie-front tops for visual reference. 

Ann Taylor
Side Tie Top
View Info
Top Pick
7
Zara
Striped Blouse Details
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Top Pick
4

Tie-front tops are a nice way to update a business casual or business formal wardrobe. They’re also fab with jeans for a smart casual vibe. The self-colour belt does a marvelous job of elongating AND defining the waist by accentuating vertical integrity. It also does wonders to shorten a long waist. 

The tie-front top is naturally suited to a taller, curvier figure with a defined and regular or long waist. I’ve also seen it work on short waists and petites with a smaller bust when the proportions and drape are dead right. If you’re apple shaped or carry a little extra on the midsection, you’ll find that some of the fluid styles with wider belts effectively conceal muffin top providing a relaxed tailored look. The silhouette can also add curvature to a rectangular figure or inverted triangle body type with a straight waist and hip. A short waist with a large bust on the other hand, is trickier to fit with a tie-front top because it creates “a block” or “a shelf” on the torso despite the cinching in at the waist. In this case a wide or V-neckline can break up the block and create a more streamlined silhouette. 

I’m welcoming the tie-front top with open arms because we desperately need a break from the slouch — or at least some alternatives to it. You know that retail has gone overboard with sloppy oversized fits when tailored items look fresh and new. I vote bring back the tailoring and amp up the polish. I want to give these tops a whirl, but prefer them sans topper so they’ll be high Summer items for me. How about you?

ESTNATION Belted Wrap Blouse

PROTAGONIST Cotton-poplin Tunic

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Weekly Roundup: Replenishing my Basics

Wardrobe Basics are not the same as Wardrobe Essentials. Basics are items like underpants, bras, camisoles, socks, shapewear, sleepwear, loungewear, hosiery and thermals. They require our attention about twice a year — once for hot weather and once for cold weather — because they’re an extremely important part of our wardrobe. They’re workhorses that are frequently laundered, so a high level of comfort and quality are expected from them. Please don’t forget about them!

I know it’s hard to spend money on wardrobe basics because they aren’t visible to the eye, somewhat boring, and sometimes quite the fit challenge. Skimping on the replenishment of basics so that we can spend money on the “fun stuff” is a common shopping strategy — especially when budgets are tight. I can feel this way too, although I LOVE lacy underwear and enjoy buying it. But I bite the bullet and get the rest of it done. 

I love to have a fresh set of knickers, bras, camies and lounge sets. I wear them daily so they should make me feel fabulous.

I’ve been replenishing my basics over the last few months, and the collection showcases the exact items that I’ve bought (some across a range of colours). Note: I wear loungewear like most people wear pajamas or robes, which is why it’s an integral part of my style. 

  • Hanky Panky 'Logo To Go' Boyshorts: My favourite panty of all time. ALLURING. They're awfully pretty and flattering, and above all extremely comfortable. No VPLs, and a very good fit on a straighter or curvier hip and thigh. I love the Modern Retro styling. I have a full, round bottom and the coverage is ample. I thought they were cotton for the longest time - but they're modal. FEELS like the very best cotton against your skin. I have many, many pairs in black, nude, red, animal print and navy. Launders like iron. Well worth the price.
  • Hanky Panky Heather Jersey Boyshorts: My second favourite panty of all time. They're rayon but feel like cotton. Very pretty, comfy, good fit on a straighter or curvier body type, and work well with the matching camisole. I have them in charcoal and blush.
  • Hanky Panky Classic Heather Jersey Camisole: My new favourite pretty camisole because the lace is LOVELY peaking through from under a neckline. The shape is flattering on most body types and the lace is super soft. Love the rayon fabric, that feels like cotton. Comes with matching boy shorts, which I like and wear too. Wears like iron, and does not shrink after tumble drying. I wish they came in more colours.
  • BP Stretch Camisole: I've been wearing this camisole for twelve years - replenishing when I need to - and love it. It's VERY comfortable, cotton-rich, fits well, and launders well. It does not shrink in the tumble dryer. The satin strap adds a subtle pretty touch. It runs small and the cut is narrow, so size up. Excellent price. I have many in black and white, and wear them daily. I feel naked without them.
  • Halogen Skinny Strap Tank (Regular & Petite): A camisole that is well suited to a curvy figure like a pear or hourglass because it doesn't ride up at the hips. Extra long and fab for tall gals. The slightly built-up strap is nice too. Read the rave reviews.
  • Nordstrom Lingerie 'Lazy Mornings' Lounge Pants: LOVE these lounge pants and bought two pairs. One in the grey stripe, and one in a blue stripe that they're selling in stores. SUPER soft and comfortable, and look good too. Flattering fit. They run TTS if you want them to fit like the model. I prefer them baggier and sized up. VERY long, and good for tall gals. Extra fun in the stripes.
  • Honeydew Intimates French Terry Lounge Pants: SUPER soft track pants in a fun shade of blue. It has a substantial drawstring that gives a nautical vibe. Works on most body types, but will be short on tall gals. Slouchy fit.
  • Brunette Girls Crop Lounge Sweatshirt: Very fun, good quality cropped sweatshirt to wear over lounge pants. Cozy and warm. I have another sweatshirt by this brand, and it has gone the distance. Very long sleeves so not for petites, unless you scrunch or fold the sleeves.
  • Simone Perele 'Delice 3D' Molded Underwire Demi Bra: This is the prettiest bra in my capsule because of the demi shape and contrast lace. Makes the boobs look perky and fabulous. It's very lightweight so you can barely feel you're wearing a bra. Best suited to a small and regular size bust, and creates a gorgeous shape on the bust. ALLURING. Runs small. I have several in nude and black.
  • Simone Perele 'Caresse' Underwire Plunge Bra: This bra runs TTS, and it's one that I wear when I want an extra smooth silhouette under form-fitting clothes. The wide strap and large coverage on the bust area is girdling, supportive and streamlining. Does not cling onto back fat. I have them in nude and black.
  • Gibson Twist Front Fleece Pullover: Extremely soft and flattering tee with twist front knot detailing. Streamlined, but not clingy. Well worth the praise in the reviews. I bought the blue to wear with my lounge bottoms in the Summertime. Runs big.
  • Halogen Bateau Neck Top (Regular & Petite): Best shaped T-shirt I've seen all year. Slimming but not clingy. Traditionally flattering. Soft, silky and substantial fabric. Works well for moderate muffin top and larger bust. Perfect on a long neck and small bust. Available in stripes and solids. Well worth the glowing reviews. I bought them in navy and the red stripe to wear with my lounge bottoms in the Summertime.
  • Nordstrom 3-Pack Sheer Knee Highs: I wear nude knee-highs with trousers and jeans in the Spring when it's too cold to go barefoot in loafers, booties, pumps and oxfords. These are my favourite because they are affordable, and you can choose a shade that works best with your skin tone. They launder well, and stay put most of the time, although sometimes I have to pull them up.

Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.